
Origin Approved Installer · FENSA Registered
Origin Bifold Doors
British-engineered aluminium bifolds across three Origin systems. OB-36+ is the ultra-slim flagship with a 36 mm sightline and whole-window U-values to 0.78 W/m²K. OB-49 is the 49 mm mid-tier. OB-72 is the Original 72 mm system for the largest or wind-loaded openings. All PAS 24 certified, all made in Origin's High Wycombe factory. Vitrum Solutions installs the Origin bifold range across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Hampshire.
Origin Bifold Specifications
Systems
OB-36+ · OB-49 · OB-72 Original
Sightlines
36 mm · 49 mm · 72 mm
Best Uw
0.78 W/m²K (OB-36+ slim with thermal upgrade)
Security
PAS 24, Secured by Design configurations
The 3 Origin Bifold Systems
OB-36+, the ultra-slim flagship
Origin's slim premium tier. 36 mm sightline frame and a whole-window U-value as low as 0.78 W/m²K with the thermal upgrade. The visual brief is a near-uninterrupted plane of glass. The eye reads the bifold as a glass wall rather than a frame structure with glass set inside it. The premium choice on contemporary new builds and architect-led extensions where the closed door needs to disappear visually.
OB-49, the 49 mm mid-tier bifold
Origin's middle bifold tier. 49 mm sightline gives a more substantial frame line than the OB-36+, useful where the architectural style is contemporary-but-not-minimal, where the build budget sits below the OB-36+ premium, or where the opening is overcoming greater wind exposure and the thicker frame is called for. PAS 24 certified, full Origin hardware ecosystem, made in High Wycombe.
OB-72, the Original 72 mm system
Origin's original bifold system, still in production for projects that need the heavier-frame engineering envelope. 72 mm sightline. The choice for the largest sashes, highest wind-load exposures, and projects where the build programme has been spec-locked around OB-72 for years. Same PAS 24 spec, same up-to-20-year Origin guarantee, same UK manufacture.
Configurations up to 12 panels: corner, French and ultra-wide
Origin bifolds support single, double, 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 panel and up to 12-panel sets across corner configurations (e.g. 3+5 corner). They can be specified as a French-doors-with-sidelights pattern where the architectural brief calls for a fixed-light-flanked feature opening rather than a continuous bifold span. Open-out, open-in and corner configurations are all supported.
Up to 20-year Origin frame guarantee
Origin's commercial signature: a guarantee of up to 20 years on the aluminium frame, with marine environments downgraded to 10 years frame and 5 years on the moving hardware. Sits alongside our own 10-year FENSA-registered, CPA insurance-backed installation guarantee. The combined cover is one of the strongest in the UK premium market.
Bifolds on Our Range
Origin bifold systems feed into our aluminium bifold doors product page. The configurator handles the system choice and the per-elevation panel layout.
Get a free quote for Origin Bifold Doors
Free no-obligation written quote. Fast response times. FENSA registered with a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee. Serving Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire & West London.
Other Origin Systems
Beyond bifolds, Origin's aluminium range covers in-line patio sliders and casement windows, all supplied and fitted by Vitrum Solutions.
Origin Bifold — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OB-36+, OB-49 and OB-72?
All three are premium Origin aluminium bifolds, all PAS 24 certified, all made in Origin's High Wycombe factory. The difference is the sightline: the visible frame thickness when the bifold is closed. OB-36+ has a 36 mm sightline (Origin's ultra-slim flagship, Uw to 0.78 W/m²K with thermal upgrade), OB-49 has a 49 mm sightline (middle tier), OB-72 has a 72 mm sightline (the Original system, used where heavier-frame engineering is required). Choose OB-36+ where the architectural priority is unbroken visual glass; OB-49 in the middle of the range; OB-72 for the largest or wind-loaded openings.
How does Origin bifold compare to Cortizo bifold?
Both are premium aluminium bifolds with comparable thermal performance and security spec. Origin's distinguishing strength is UK manufacture (High Wycombe), short lead times and the up-to-20-year frame guarantee. Cortizo's distinguishing strength is the slim premium Bi-fold Plus Door with its 110 mm reduced central junction (visually slimmer central interlock between leaves). Where the architect has specified one we install that; where the brief is open we walk you through both at the survey stage. Side-by-side comparison: /blog/cortizo-vs-origin-bifold-doors.
What configurations can Origin bifolds open in?
Origin bifolds support single, double, 3-panel, 4-panel, 5-panel, 6-panel and up to 12-panel sets. Corner configurations are supported (e.g. 3+5 around a 90-degree external corner). They can be specified in French-doors-with-sidelights patterns, with open-out, open-in or open-into-a-pocket configurations. Stacking can be left, right or split. The exact panel count and overall span for your opening is confirmed at the survey stage.
What U-values do Origin bifolds achieve?
Origin's bifold range achieves whole-window U-values from as low as 0.78 W/m²K on the OB-36+ with the thermal upgrade, comfortably exceeding the Approved Document L 1.4 W/m²K maximum for replacement doors. OB-49 and OB-72 reach Uw up to 1.1 W/m²K with double-glazed Low-E units. Specific Uw is calculated per opening based on the chosen system, glazing unit, frame size and thermal spec at quote stage.
Are Origin bifolds Secured by Design?
Yes. Secured by Design configurations are available across the Origin bifold range. SBD is the UK police-approved security spec, recognised by Hiscox, Chubb, AIG and other premium home insurers. PAS 24 certification is standard across opening profiles; SBD adds specific hardware and laminated-glass combinations on top.
Can I get Origin bifolds in any RAL colour?
Yes, over 150 RAL shades, plus dual-colour configurations where the inside and outside of the frame are different finishes. The colour is applied to the aluminium substrate through powder-coating to BS EN 12206 rather than as a surface foil, so it doesn't fade or peel over decades, a meaningful advantage on south-facing installations versus dark uPVC.
What is the Origin lead time on a bifold?
Origin's UK manufacture (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire) gives the range meaningfully shorter lead times than imported European premium aluminium. Exact times depend on the system, the colour and the panel count. On standard configurations, Origin's lead time is typically a fraction of the imported alternatives, confirmed at quote stage. This is the single biggest commercial reason architects specify Origin over Cortizo or Schuco where the build programme is tight.
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